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  JORDAN (I)
  by George Herbert
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of sincerity and honesty
in expressing one's faith and love for God.

Topics: "Worship And Praise", "Sincerity In Faith"
Scripture References: Proverbs 15:2

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DESCRIPTION
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George Herbert emphasizes the importance of sincerity and truth in
worship and poetry, questioning the need for elaborate fictions and
false beauty. He highlights the essence of genuine verses that serve
their purpose without unnecessary adornments, drawing parallels to the
simplicity and honesty of shepherds singing. Herbert expresses
contentment in praising God directly without the need for extravagant
metaphors or artificial embellishments.

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CONTENT
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Who says that fictions only and false hair

Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?

Is all good structure in a winding stair?

May no lines pass, except they do their duty

Not to a true, but painted chair?

Is it no verse, except enchanted groves

And sudden arbours shadow coarse-spun lines

Must purling streams refresh a lover's loves?

Must all be veil'd, while he that reads, divines,

Catching the sense at two removes?

Shepherds are honest people; let them sing:

Riddle who list, for me, and pull for Prime:

I envy no man's nightingale or spring;

Nor let them punish me with loss of rhyme,

Who plainly say, My God, My King.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/george-herbert/jordan-i/
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